This is a simulation-based inference collection of applets. Statistical inference is introduced using simulation-based methods and resampling methods.
The material is a web based simulation applet that is useful for showing distribution, data summary and plots in class. The website homepage also has a collection of datasets available in text format.This material is great for using in class to illustrate the concepts and also enable the students to “play” with the data and parameters to see the changes providing a hands-on learning experience.
Type of Material:
It is a web-based simulation created using JavaScript.
Recommended Uses:
This is a great companion site for either in class exercises or homework. This could also be used as a group or individual activity. Also, this can be used by the lecturer to demonstrate a concept to the whole class.
Technical Requirements:
The application needs a browser to render. The user would need to be connected to internet to access the website and have JavaScript enabled.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The purpose of the website is to provide a hands-on learning of key statistical concepts by giving the learner a chance to manipulate input parameters and visualize the resulting output.
Target Student Population:
High School, College General Ed, College Lower Division
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
An introduction of the key elementary statistics concepts is required before using this material
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Hands-on learning of some key statistical concepts
Over 200 of datasets that can be used in class
It includes 18 different applets that cover most of the topics from the elementary statistics class.
Concerns:
The biggest concern with the material is that providing context - either mentioning what concept they are trying to demonstrate or providing some of the ways the applet can be used is an afterthought. Some applets have video demonstration, and some have it hidden in the Notes at the end of the page. It would greatly enhance the usage of this material if context were provided upfront as to what the learning goals and minimal instructions on the number of ways the applet can be used. Also links to the explanation of the topic that the applet or data set relates to would be helpful.
The same concern is applicable to datasets. Without the metadata of how the dataset was obtained, it makes any analysis only partially relevant. The datasets are listed by chapter, but if the class is not using the author’s textbook, students will become confused.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This material can be used in class for demonstrating the concept by the instructor.
Students can be directed to specific applets or datasets by their instructor if the instructor explicitly explains what topic from the class it relates to.
Concerns:
The material can only be used in conjunction with an instructor providing context in written or orally form. As a standalone learning material, this material requires the user to be proficient in the concept.
It would be helpful if each applet was accompanied by a full explanation of the topic or at least have links to the explanations.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The website provides multiple input parameters that can be manipulated.
The input boxes and buttons are well labelled.
A statistics instructor should be able to easily figure out how to use the applets and read the data sets.
Concerns:
There are many input radio buttons or text entry forms, but context is missing. To make this resource more usable as a standalone resource, please add some context around the context.
Most students who are not instructed on how to use this collection will be lost.
Creative Commons:
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